Weakened Reading Town side hammered by high-flying Bracknell

Town, fielding a very depleted side, were soundly beaten at Larges Lane on Saturday.

They had no answer to a confident Robins side, who were winning for the ninth time in 10 games.

The first half was largely contested in midfield, although there were a few scoring chances at both ends.

The only goal of the half came in the 24th minute when Sam Barrett curled a 25-yard free-kick past keeper Nathan Silver.

Substitute Lewis Burns, who replaced the injured Ben Knight late in the first half, doubled Bracknell’s lead in the 61th minute when he moved onto Barrett’s throw and fired over Silver.

The lively Barrett made it 3-0 on 67 minutes with a deflected shot and Burns added his second late on.

Gene Da’Breo managed Town’s first chance of any note in the second half in the 89th minute, but his effort was cleared.

In stoppage time Burns, who was making his first-team debut, was sent off after kicking out at Town skipper Tristam Dennis.

Having played Windsor in the Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy final last night, Town take on Wessex League leaders Alresford in the semi-finals of the Aldershot Senior Cup at Scours Lane tomorrow (ko. 7.45pm).

They then meet Highmoor Ibis at home on Saturday (3pm) before going to Hellenic League title-chasing Wantage on Monday (3pm).